Jessica Simpson marries Eric Johnson – and choked up during her vows…

Actress and singer Jessica Simpson has married retired American football player Eric Johnson, describing their wedding ceremony as “the happiest moment of our lives.”

Jess and Eric, who have two gorgeous bubs together, wed at California’s luxury San Ysidro Ranch hotel and resort, having been an item for four years.

The couple exchanged vows in front of a contingent of about 280 friends and family, including the singer’s parents and sister, Ashlee, as well as close friends, actors Jessica Alba and Topher Grace.

The blushing bride was so overcome with emotion during the ceremony, which was officiated by her Dad, Joe, that she choked up and had to start again.

And, instead of naming Eric in the wows, she said her own name! It’s OK though, she managed to laugh it off and began again.

According to Who magazine, which featured the bride exclusively on its cover this week, Jess had 12 bridesmaids (and the groom had 11 groomsmen), guests were entertained by an 18-piece orchestra and the entire wedding had a stunning, beautifully styled woodland theme.

Marchesa posted the picture above, of Jess and her gorgeous bridesmaids, on its Instagram account. Image: Marchesa via Instagram

“It was amazing to be able to have our babies watch us say ‘I do,’ the bride told Who.

The groom, 34, too had lots to say, telling the magazine, “I saw my gorgeous wife coming towards me and she was crying.”

“I think my heart was exploding a little bit.” Aww…

Jess, 33, wore a custom-made Carolina Herrera gown. The designer told People Magazine that “The whole dress is embroidered in gold and feels very regal” and, as Jess”something blue,’ Herrera added a line of blue ribbon inside the gown.

The bride topped off her outfit with a cathedral length veil, jewellery by Neil Lane and a pair Brian Atwood shoes.

The first official photo from Jessica Simpson’s weekend wedding, Image: People Magazine

Eric wore a custom-made charcoal John Varvatos tuxedo and looked every part the dashing groom.

The bridal party included two very special members, their daughter Maxwell, 2, who played a very proud flower girl and son Ace, 13 months, and festivities kicked off with a BBQ before the ceremony and post-ceremony fun included karaoke and horseshoe tossing.

We’re dying to see the rest of the pictures but, in the meantime, below is Jess’ wedding mood board which was shared on Instagram by People Magazine with the caption, “We can’t wait to see a photo of Jessica Simpson’s wedding look — but this exclusive peek at her inspiration board will have to do for now!”

Jess and Eric spent their wedding night in a luxurious cottage on the grounds of the ranch. It’s the same cottage former US president John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis Kennedy stayed in during their their 1953 honey moon.

After the ceremony, the couple released the following statement to People Magazine, saying: “We are overwhelmed with complete happiness and love having made our eternal commitment, To say ‘I do’ in front of family, friends and, most importantly, our children has been the happiest moment of our lives.”

This is the second marriage for Jess, who was previous married to Nick Lachey (2002-2006). It is also the second marriage for Eric who was married to stylist Keri Johnson (2005-2010).

Congratulations to Jess and Eric. Here’s to a long and happy marriage!